Succulent slow-cooked pork chops covered in creamy gravy served on a plate

Slow-Cooked Pork Chops with Creamy Gravy

Slow-Cooked Pork Chops with Creamy Gravy
easystar
6 hourtime

Nutritional value per serving

Calories450kcal

Carbs15gram

Fat20gram

Protein35gram

Ingredients

Quantity
  • Pork chops, bone-in, about 2 cm thick (choose fresh, pink color with firm texture)4 pieces
  • Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)1 tsp
  • Black pepper, freshly ground1/2 tsp
  • Garlic powder1/2 tsp
  • Onion powder1/2 tsp
  • Olive oil or vegetable oil2 tbsp
  • Onion, sliced1 medium
  • Mushrooms, sliced (optional)150 g
  • Garlic cloves, minced3 cloves
  • Chicken or vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)1.5 cups
  • All-purpose flour3 tbsp
  • Butter2 tbsp
  • Fresh thyme leaves or dried thyme1 tsp

This slow-cooked pork chops recipe delivers juicy, tender pork with a luscious homemade gravy that's perfect for dinner. Using simple ingredients and your slow cooker, this dish is effortless yet flavorful, ideal for those new to cooking or anyone looking for a comforting meal. The total cost of ingredients is approximately $12 / €10 / £9 / ₹900. One serving contains roughly 450 kcal. Suitable for a regular diet. This recipe is easy in complexity and takes about 7 hours total (prep + slow cooking). Food safety is emphasized with clear internal temperature guidelines to ensure perfectly cooked and safe pork.

Preparation instructions

Season the Pork Chops

1Pat pork chops dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This enhances the flavor and helps create a tasty crust.

Sear the Pork Chops

2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This locks in juices and adds flavor.

Prepare the Slow Cooker

3Place sliced onions and optional mushrooms at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add minced garlic and sprinkle thyme over them for aroma.

Add Pork Chops to Slow Cooker

4Place seared pork chops on top of the onions and mushrooms. Pour the broth over everything gently.

Slow Cook the Pork Chops

5Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork chops should be tender and reach a safe internal temperature of 63°C (145°F) as measured with a meat thermometer.

Check Food Safety

6Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the pork chop to ensure it has reached at least 63°C (145°F). Let it rest for 3 minutes after cooking.

Make the Gravy

7Remove pork chops and keep warm. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the cooking liquid from slow cooker until smooth. Cook, stirring, until gravy thickens (3-5 minutes).

Serve

8Pour gravy over pork chops and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your perfectly slow-cooked pork chops!

Cooking Tips

-For best results, use bone-in pork chops as they stay moist during slow cooking.

-Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid too often to prevent heat loss and longer cooking time.

-If you prefer thicker gravy, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and add while simmering the gravy.

-Always clean utensils and surfaces after handling raw pork to prevent cross-contamination.

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Meat thermometer
  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Knife and cutting board

Shopping List

  • [ ] Pork chops (bone-in, about 600-700g total) - Approx $8. Choose fresh chops with a pink color and firm texture.
  • [ ] Olive oil or vegetable oil (small bottle if not on hand) - Approx $3. Pick extra virgin for better flavor.
  • [ ] Onion (1 medium) - Approx $0.50. Choose firm onions without soft spots.
  • [ ] Mushrooms (150g, optional) - Approx $2. Select firm, white or brown mushrooms without blemishes.
  • [ ] Garlic (3 cloves) - Approx $0.30. Fresh garlic gives better flavor than pre-minced.
  • [ ] Chicken or vegetable broth (1.5 cups) - Approx $1.50. Choose low sodium for better control of salt.
  • [ ] All-purpose flour (small pack if not on hand) - Approx $1.50. Used for gravy thickening.
  • [ ] Butter (2 tbsp) - Approx $0.50. Adds richness to gravy.
  • [ ] Spices: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme (if not already in pantry) - Approx $3 for small packs.

Total approximate cost: $12

Buy fresh and good quality ingredients for the best flavor and food safety.

FAQ

How do I know when the pork chops are cooked safely?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Pork chops should reach at least 63°C (145°F). After removing from heat, let them rest for 3 minutes before serving.

Can I use boneless pork chops instead?

Yes, boneless pork chops can be used but they may cook faster and be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly and monitor internal temperature.

What if I don't have a slow cooker?

You can sear the chops and then simmer them gently on the stove with broth and vegetables, covered, on low heat until tender, about 1.5 to 2 hours.

How can I make the gravy thicker?

Make a slurry by mixing 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it into the simmering gravy. Cook until it thickens.